Long-Awaited Chicken Divan
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with Parmesan and paprika for a savory, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cooked, skin and bones removed, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 2 packages cooked broccoli ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom soup ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- Paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, water chestnuts, curry powder, and shredded Cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Drain cooked broccoli and arrange it in the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked chicken pieces over the broccoli.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and paprika on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using roasted garlic mayonnaise instead of regular. If you're short on time, you can substitute the cooked broccoli with frozen broccoli florets; just ensure they are thawed and drained. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Feel free to adjust the curry powder to your taste, or even try using a different spice blend for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Divan with a side of fluffy rice or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. You can also accompany it with garlic bread for a comforting touch. For more delicious chicken recipes, explore options like Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken or Chicken And Cornbread Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. It can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Long-Awaited Chicken Divan contains roughly 374 calories, with 20g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 466mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the melting properties and flavor profiles may vary, so choose according to your preference.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with cooked chickpeas or a mixture of your favorite vegetables. Ensure to use vegetable broth in the soup mixture and consider adding more spices to enhance flavor. Broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers work great in this dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the Chicken Divan a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).